Abstract: A method of extracting data embedded in a 3D object includes a 3D scanning device scanning a 3D object and extracting data embedded as physical representations in the 3D object. A processing device will identify, from the extracted data, instructions for causing the processing device to perform an action such as identifying building instructions for printing a copy of the 3D object. The processing device will also perform the action to identify the building instructions, and cause a 3D printer to use the building instructions to print the copy of the 3D object. The processing device may be part of the 3D scanning device or part of another device or system that is in communication with the 3D scanning device.

Abstract: A method and system of producing a three-dimensional object with an anti-counterfeiting measure uses a processor to access a data file including a plurality of parameters for producing a three-dimensional object, wherein the parameters comprise a plurality of structural parameters. The processor may also cause a three dimensional printing device to form the three dimensional object that exhibits the structural parameters by identifying a build material, identifying at least one anti-counterfeiting measure that when included in the 3D object will prevent creation of a digital model of the three-dimensional object by causing the 3D object to obstruct a possible 3D scanning method, and causing the three dimensional printing device to form the three-dimensional object with the anti-counterfeiting measure using the build material.

Abstract: A method and system for embedding a database in a 3D object uses a 3D dimensional printing device and a computer-readable memory that stores a build sequence comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, will cause the 3D printing device to form a three-dimensional object by depositing layers of build material and by including, in one or more of the layers, physical representations that represent a data set that includes a record of information for production of the 3D object.

Abstract: A method of producing a variable data design file for use in production of personalized copies of a reference 3D object may include receiving a plurality of fixed structural parameters for a reference object and receiving information for creation of a plurality of variable structural parameters corresponding to variable data regions on the reference 3D object. The method may include using the plurality of fixed structural parameters to develop an instruction set configured to cause a 3D printing device to form a 3D object that exhibits the plurality of fixed structural parameters; and including, in the instruction set, instructions for creating the plurality of variable structural parameters based on the received information that will cause the 3D printing device to render at least one of the plurality of variable data regions in the 3D object, wherein the variable data region differs from a corresponding region of the reference 3D object.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) printer and method for dispensing a material to form a 3D substructure and for dispensing an adhesive onto the 3D substructure. The adhesive printed onto the 3D substructure may be used to attach the 3D substructure to another substructure such as a conventionally formed substructure or another 3D printed substructure. Printing the adhesive using the 3D printer during the same 3D manufacturing process used to print the 3D substructure may improve precision of the location at which the adhesive is dispensed, thereby improving the quality of superstructure created by joining the substructures. An embodiment of the present teachings may decrease the overall time and cost to attach substructures.

Abstract: A method and system of producing a three-dimensional object with an anti-counterfeiting measure uses a processor to access a data file including a plurality of parameters for producing a three-dimensional object, wherein the parameters comprise a plurality of structural parameters. The processor may also cause a three dimensional printing device to form the three dimensional object that exhibits the structural parameters by identifying a build material, identifying at least one anti-counterfeiting measure that when included in the 3D object will prevent creation of a digital model of the three-dimensional object by causing the 3D object to obstruct a possible 3D scanning method, and causing the three dimensional printing device to form the three-dimensional object with the anti-counterfeiting measure using the build material.

Abstract: A method of extracting data embedded in a 3D object includes a 3D scanning device scanning a 3D object and extracting data embedded as physical representations in the 3D object. A processing device will identify, from the extracted data, instructions for causing the processing device to perform an action such as identifying building instructions for printing a copy of the 3D object. The processing device will also perform the action to identify the building instructions, and cause a 3D printer to use the building instructions to print the copy of the 3D object. The processing device may be part of the 3D scanning device or part of another device or system that is in communication with the 3D scanning device.

Abstract: A method and system of producing a three-dimensional object with an anti-counterfeiting measure uses a processor to access a data file including a plurality of parameters for producing a three-dimensional object, wherein the parameters comprise a plurality of structural parameters. The processor may also cause a three dimensional printing device to form the three dimensional object that exhibits the structural parameters by identifying a build material, identifying a concealment material, causing the three dimensional printing device to deposit a mixture of the build material and the concealment material in a plurality of layers, and causing the three dimensional printing device to cure the build material and concealment material to form the three-dimensional object with the anti-counterfeiting measure.

Abstract: When printing 3D objects designed by a particular designer, authentication information such as a serial number and a digital signature of the designer are inserted into a CAD file for printing the object. The authentication information is represented as physical structures in or on the 3D-printed object. The physical structures (e.g., pits, cavities of one or more shapes, etc.) can be detected by a scanner (e.g., an ultrasound or the like), and the detected authentication information can be transmitted to an authentication server that determines the authenticity of the 3D-printed object and transmits the authenticity determination to a user.

Abstract: A method of extracting data embedded in a 3D object includes a 3D scanning device scanning a 3D object and extracting data embedded as physical representations in the 3D object. A processing device will identify, from the extracted data, instructions for performing an action on the data such as: displaying at least a portion of the data, transmitting at least a portion of the data to an external database, transmitting at least a portion of the data to an external application, or receiving user input for handling the data. The processing device may be part of the 3D scanning device or part of another device or system that is in communication with the 3D scanning device. The method includes performing the action, and returning a result of the action to a user of an electronic device. It may also include receiving a user selection of the portion of the data.

Abstract: A method and system for embedding a database in a 3D object uses a 3D dimensional printing device and a computer-readable memory that stores a build sequence comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, will cause the 3D printing device to form a three-dimensional object by depositing layers of build material and by including, in one or more of the layers, physical representations that represent a data set that includes a record of information for production of the 3D object.

Abstract: A method and system for embedding a database in a 3D object uses a 3D dimensional printing device and a computer-readable memory that stores a build sequence comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, will cause the 3D printing device to form a three-dimensional object with an embedded data structure by depositing layers of build material and by including, in one or more of the layers, physical representations that represent a data structure.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) printer and method for dispensing a material to form a 3D substructure and for dispensing an adhesive onto the 3D substructure. The adhesive printed onto the 3D substructure may be used to attach the 3D substructure to another substructure such as a conventionally formed substructure or another 3D printed substructure. Printing the adhesive using the 3D printer during the same 3D manufacturing process used to print the 3D substructure may improve precision of the location at which the adhesive is dispensed, thereby improving the quality of superstructure created by joining the substructures. An embodiment of the present teachings may decrease the overall time and cost to attach substructures.

Abstract: Methods and devices use a three-dimensional scanner and a three-dimensional printing device operatively connected to a processor. The three-dimensional scanner automatically determines a size and shape of an item to be packaged and the processor automatically identifies information corresponding to the item to be packaged. The processor automatically controls the three-dimensional printing device to form a container that is customized to match the size and shape of the item to be packaged (using a continuous additive process of forming successive layers of material in different shapes). When forming the container, the processor also automatically controls the three-dimensional printing device to form a label as part of the container. The label includes color variations to visually convey the information identified by the processor.

Abstract: A method of producing a variable data design file for use in production of personalized copies of a reference 3D object may include receiving a plurality of fixed structural parameters for a reference object and receiving information for creation of a plurality of variable structural parameters corresponding to variable data regions on the reference 3D object. The method may include using the plurality of fixed structural parameters to develop an instruction set configured to cause a 3D printing device to form a 3D object that exhibits the plurality of fixed structural parameters; and including, in the instruction set, instructions for creating the plurality of variable structural parameters based on the received information that will cause the 3D printing device to render at least one of the plurality of variable data regions in the 3D object, wherein the variable data region differs from a corresponding region of the reference 3D object.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) printer and method for dispensing a material to form a 3D substructure and for dispensing an adhesive onto the 3D substructure. The adhesive printed onto the 3D substructure may be used to attach the 3D substructure to another substructure such as a conventionally formed substructure or another 3D printed substructure. Printing the adhesive using the 3D printer during the same 3D manufacturing process used to print the 3D substructure may improve precision of the location at which the adhesive is dispensed, thereby improving the quality of superstructure created by joining the substructures. An embodiment of the present teachings may decrease the overall time and cost to attach substructures.

Abstract: A method and system for embedding a database in a 3D object uses a 3D dimensional printing device and a computer-readable memory that stores a build sequence comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, will cause the 3D printing device to form a three-dimensional object with an embedded data structure by depositing layers of build material and by including, in one or more of the layers, physical representations that represent a data structure.

Abstract: When printing 3D objects designed by a particular designer, authentication information such as a serial number and a digital signature of the designer are inserted into a CAD file for printing the object. The authentication information is represented as physical structures in or on the 3D-printed object. The physical structures (e.g., pits, cavities of one or more shapes, etc.) can be detected by a scanner (e.g., an ultrasound or the like), and the detected authentication information can be transmitted to an authentication server that determines the authenticity of the 3D-printed object and transmits the authenticity determination to a user.

Abstract: A method of extracting data embedded in a 3D object includes a 3D scanning device scanning a 3D object and extracting data embedded as physical representations in the 3D object. A processing device will identify, from the extracted data, instructions for performing an action on the data such as: displaying at least a portion of the data, transmitting at least a portion of the data to an external database, transmitting at least a portion of the data to an external application, or receiving user input for handling the data. The processing device may be part of the 3D scanning device or part of another device or system that is in communication with the 3D scanning device. The method includes performing the action, and returning a result of the action to a user of an electronic device. It may also include receiving a user selection of the portion of the data.

Abstract: A method and system of producing a three-dimensional object with an anti-counterfeiting measure uses a processor to access a data file including a plurality of parameters for producing a three-dimensional object, wherein the parameters comprise a plurality of structural parameters. The processor may also cause a three dimensional printing device to form the three dimensional object that exhibits the structural parameters by identifying a build material, identifying a concealment material, causing the three dimensional printing device to deposit a mixture of the build material and the concealment material in a plurality of layers, and causing the three dimensional printing device to cure the build material and concealment material to form the three-dimensional object with the anti-counterfeiting measure.